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PHXNews: Commentary on Business Advertising and Marketing related topicsFri, 21 Dec 2018 08:23:19 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.163 Reasons the US Needs More Nurseshttp://www.phxnews.com/health-and-fitness/3-reasons-us-needs-nurses/
http://www.phxnews.com/health-and-fitness/3-reasons-us-needs-nurses/#respondFri, 21 Dec 2018 08:23:19 +0000http://www.phxnews.com/?p=12999In the United States, nursing is one of the largest and fastest-growing professions. However, the nation is facing a shortage of nurses that is only expected to become worse as time goes on. There is a multitude of factors affecting this issue, and one of them is that there are some major health crises adding to the problem.

Baby Boomers

Just as a quick refresher, “baby boomer” refers to an individual born in the years between the end of World War II and the mid-1960s. This generation currently makes up almost a quarter of the national population, which means that a significant portion of the country is aging simultaneously. Of course, as we age, we tend to develop more health problems. As a result, the demand for healthcare, and subsequently nurses to provide it, is growing and expected to continue growing rapidly in the upcoming decades.

On the other hand, a significant number of nurses currently in the workforce are also baby boomers who will be retiring in the coming years. Unfortunately, there are currently not enough new nurses entering the field to fill the unemployment gap this will cause.

Opioid Crisis

Another health crisis facing the nation is that of opioid abuse. Opioids include illicit drugs such as heroin, as well as prescription painkillers that are often obtained legally. Unfortunately, these potent substances are easy to become addicted to and overdose on, often resulting in death by drug poisoning. The entire nation has seen an alarming increase in overdose deaths in recent years, leading to government intervention to increase awareness of the danger of these drugs in the general population as well as among healthcare providers.

According to the American Nursing Association (or ANA), nurses are vital in addressing the opioid crisis. Nurses typically spend more time with patients than other caregivers and are often in an ideal position to evaluate a patient’s need for these drugs, in addition to identifying potential abuse issues a patient may have. One school is bridging the gap in this area by giving its nurses opportunities for experience with different patients. Students of the Grand Canyon University nursing program are working with patients who are abusing opioids. Not only does this provide the students with invaluable and unique experience to prepare them for the field, but it also assists in reducing the stigma surrounding addiction.

Mental Health

Mental illness is yet another growing problem across the nation. Approximately one in every five Americans deals with a mental illness, and suicide rates have been rising in recent years. While stigma surrounding it is slowly decreasing, more sufferers are beginning to seek medical help and the demand for this care is far exceeding the supply of mental health professionals available to provide it. This field is also being affected by the baby boomer problem. In 2013, one study found that approximately 70% of practicing psychiatric providers were nearing retirement age at over 50 years old.

The same study suggested that one way to address the shortage of mental health professionals would be to expand prescribing privileges to advanced practice nurse practitioners who specialize in psychiatry. It claims that psychiatry is a field about which there are many misconceptions, and it should be taught in terms of the practical and medical benefits of treating psychiatric conditions.

School Shortage

The shortage is also affecting schools in that many students are having trouble accessing the training and classes necessary to actually become a nurse. There are not enough instructors teaching the discipline to account for the number of nursing students that would need to enter the field in order to fulfill the current and growing demand for them.

Solving the Crisis

The shortage of nurses is a complicated issue, but luckily there are many approaches to fill the demand. Whether it’s providing new, unique training experience like Grand Canyon University nursing, or increasing the awareness of different types of nursing specialties available, there are different avenues being explored, often successfully.

As the world moves continually towards healthier, organic eating habits, consumers congratulate themselves on food choices that support this movement. Organic meats, grains, and produce are readily available at local markets and paying a little extra for these healthy alternatives is no longer exclusive to the wealthy shopper or discerning chef. Contrary to what many people may think, however, it isn’t just a quick and easy change for a farmer to go from conventional to organic. The higher price is no help during the transition years of fewer crops, weed control, and marketing concerns. When you pick up your next organic item, think a little deeper into just how that product made it into your hands. Perhaps the extra pennies you spend won’t seem so extravagant.

The Time of Transition

Look into the process of moving from conventional to organic with regard to farms and agriculture and the word transition becomes the center of each discussion. What is this transition? Well, for starters it’s a required three-year process during which time the farmer changes his farming practices to prepare the land to become completely organic-bearing. This is a requirement to achieve the appropriate USDA certification. During this transition, the farmer must fully use organic procedures, yet not reap the benefits of higher prices for these crops. Additionally, because the use of common pesticides and weed control cannot be used, his crop is considerably less, causing a huge financial burden if not planned for and expected. Any Agriculture loans the farmer has taken out to help him through this difficult phase may help pay for new equipment needed, staffing requirements, and overall production expenses. The good news about this transitional phase is that during the third year, depending on when the last time synthetic chemicals had been applied, the farmer may be able to profit from that year’s organic crop.

The Battle Of the Weeds

During the dreaded three year transition, another inconvenient truth is the up-cropping of weeds. The farmer has to turn to less conventional and purely natural methods to manage these adversaries and it takes time to get them under control again. Interestingly, this actually affects the farmer socially as well. As the weeds naturally begin to pop up, they become visibly offensive his neighbors who are quick to criticize his seeming lack of weed control.

However, if he can learn to put up with a few weeds and disapproving looks in return for developing a healthy ecosystem, in the long run, there will be fewer destructive insects and weeds. Couple this with healthier crops for more profit and it’s a victory for everyone. Additionally, his growing soil becomes softer and more beneficial as good insects and birds are drawn to the healthier ground. Even the weeds become less of an enemy and more of a cohabitator.

The Extra Pieces

As you can probably imagine, a farmer who works with his hands daily in the soil is more concerned with production rather than marketing or paperwork. However, his new organic plans find him needing to establish new connections to sell his organic wares. Unless he is comfortable networking, this could be a huge barrier for him to get his goods out on the market. Additionally, the constant documentation required to keep his USDA certification up is another part of his day that he is not using his talents to grow crops.

Ultimately, if the farmer can set his mind that profit isn’t the only thing making the change to organic worthwhile, he may be able to endure the hardships that come along with the transition. Also, knowing the ground is healing while dealing with the weeds, and realizing he is making a difference in the world may help him look past the unsightly weeds. So the next time you buy organic, take a moment to appreciate all it took for you to have that option in the first place.

]]>http://www.phxnews.com/world/cost-go-organic/feed/0Choose Meth Rehab in Nashville For Recoveryhttp://www.phxnews.com/health-and-fitness/choose-meth-rehab-nashville-recovery/
http://www.phxnews.com/health-and-fitness/choose-meth-rehab-nashville-recovery/#respondMon, 29 Oct 2018 17:59:02 +0000http://www.phxnews.com/?p=12992Methamphetamine is a stimulant substance that is extremely dangerous to those who choose to consume it. This substance can be found in both a pill form and a powder form. All it takes is consuming this substance one time for an individual to become severely addicted to it. Meth can have great power on a person’s physical health. It can also take a serious toll on a person’s psychological health. Once a person becomes addicted to meth, they typically are willing to do anything to stay high, even if that means losing relationships and friends. A serious meth addict will typically need professional addiction treatment in order to get to a stage of recovery. By choosing to attend a meth rehab center, a meth addict is ultimately making the decision to move towards a bright and better future.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Spotting the signs of meth addiction is typically not difficult. The high that is produced by methamphetamine does not have a prolonged effect, which ultimately makes a meth addict abuse the substance on a constant basis so that they will not have to come down from the high they get from using meth. This is a serious issue because addicts will usually use the substance uncontrollably so that they will be able to remain high. One reason meth is so appealing to those who are addicted to it is due to the fact that it causes a feeling of euphoria. However, once the substance has been used for an extended period of time, users often find themselves unable to experience happiness if they are not using the substance. Aside from this, there are many effects that the substance will have on the addict. A few of these effects include insomnia, anxiety, hallucinations, hypertension, and rapid breathing, among many other side effects.

Fatal Effects of Meth Addiction

With Meth addiction on the rise , it is very important for addicts to seek the help they need and for recovery centers to offer the help that will benefit addicts in the most effective way possible. When a person who is addicted to meth makes the decision to stop using the substance, they may ultimately experience a period of withdrawal. This often causes users to experience symptoms that will cause them to go back to using the substance to get the high that they crave. It is very important to make sure that a meth user does not experience a period of withdrawal, as this can cause overdose, which can be fatal.

How Meth Recovery Centers Can Help

There are rehab centers that provide detox services for those who have made the decision to stop using meth. The services that are provided by rehab centers usually offer medications so that withdrawal symptoms are not too severe. Rehab centers will also make sure that recovering addicts who are being treated are supervised so that they can remain safe at all times while at the facility. It is important to understand that detoxing is not the last step of treatment for an addict. Intensive therapy is required to ensure that the addict does not suffer from relapse in the future. Behavioral therapies have been shown to work in an effective way that helps them develop a more constructive way of thinking as opposed to a self-destructive way of thinking.

Choose Meth Rehab in Nashville

Meth addiction is not something that should ever be taken lightly. Being addicted to meth is a serious addiction that can ultimately have some fatal consequences. If you are a meth addict or know who someone who is that needs help, you should get help immediately. By doing this, you are doing yourself or a loved one a great favor. By overcoming your meth addiction, you can get to the road of recovery that will lead you to a brighter and more promising future. Put your meth addiction in the past and choose Meth Rehab in Nashville to assist you with the meth recovery program you need to get back into society and live the life you were living before your meth addiction. You will not regret choosing to take this step that has the power to change your life in a big and positive way.

]]>http://www.phxnews.com/health-and-fitness/choose-meth-rehab-nashville-recovery/feed/0Tips For Finding A Drug Rehabilitation Centerhttp://www.phxnews.com/business/tips-finding-drug-rehabilitation-center/
http://www.phxnews.com/business/tips-finding-drug-rehabilitation-center/#respondMon, 29 Oct 2018 17:53:17 +0000http://www.phxnews.com/?p=12990When you stop your addictive habits of drinking or drugs, the hardest part will be to stay that way. If your sobriety is important to you, it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid having a relapse. Before you begin your journey of long-term sobriety, you need to get clean. Most people will check themselves into one of the many affordable rehab centers in Colorado. Choosing the best facility to enter can be difficult. Below are 6 tips to find a drug treatment program in your area like the reputable one found at www.stoutstreet.org.

Be Assessed By Physician

Before you start comparing different drug treatment centers, you need to be fully assessed by your physician or a substance abuse professional. This evaluation is necessary to figure out what type of treatment would work best in your situation. Not all addicts are going to need residential treatment to get clean and sober. Some will only need to find a facility that offers 12-step meetings or outpatient treatment services. The success of a program will depend on the patient and circumstances. Generally, a therapist or doctor will recommend a patient to enter a residential treatment program when they are not able to stabilize their recovery going back to their daily routine. In some cases, this is because they will be subjected to many temptations which they are not able to withstand yet.

Check Facility’s Resources

Many people with drug and alcohol addiction problems suffer from other clinical conditions as well. It could be anything from health problems to anxiety and depression. If you suffer from other conditions, check to find a facility that can help accommodate you with those as well during your treatment. When checking out each facilities’ resources, look for things such as counselors and other therapy options. If there are not a lot of resources listed on a facility’s website, call and ask for a full list of the services they offer their patients.

Medication Use

For certain addictions, such as opioid addictions, it may be worth looking into treatment centers in your area that offer drugs for treatment. There are prescription medications available for drug dependency addictions. Other treatment centers follow a strict abstinence model when treating opioid addictions. Look to see if a treatment center offers detoxification services for their patients. This process helps patients get the toxic substances they are addicted to out of their bloodstream. This process is done under medical supervision to ensure safety. Not all facilities offer this type of service.

Reputable Facility

When comparing different treatment centers, look for one that has longevity. Try to stay away from centers that have not been in business for more than five years. If you are serious about getting sober, you need to put your trust in a facility that has years of experience. While not all newer treatment centers are untrustworthy, there are some that try to take advantage of people needing rehabilitation services. More often than not, facilities that are open longer do the best work for their patients.

Cost Doesn’t Always Equal Quality

It is not cheap to stay in a rehabilitation facility for a full program. Stays can range from a few thousand dollars each month to tens of thousands each month. The pricier facilities may come with more amenities such as luxury rooms, free food, swimming pools and other activities included. However, the basic services at high-end facilities are often just as successful as the centers that don’t cost as much.

Don’t Fall For Guarantees

No treatment center can guarantee you will leave clean and sober. Each person is unique and will have their own set of struggles to deal with on their path to sobriety. If a center tries to sway your decision by guaranteeing you success, they are lying. It is not possible for anyone to promise that to a patient. Long-term success is reliant on the individual following the treatment plan both while in the facility and after they leave.

If you find your life is heading down a bad path because of a drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to find a treatment center for help right away. Choosing the best facility for treatment is not always the easiest decision to make. The center you choose is going to be your best chance at a sober life. After you finish your treatment program, it is crucial to continue attending meetings and therapy as recommended by your physicians.

]]>http://www.phxnews.com/business/tips-finding-drug-rehabilitation-center/feed/04 Tips for Avoiding Distracted Drivinghttp://www.phxnews.com/cars/4-tips-for-avoiding-distracted-driving/
http://www.phxnews.com/cars/4-tips-for-avoiding-distracted-driving/#respondThu, 04 Oct 2018 05:55:07 +0000http://www.phxnews.com/?p=12980According to car industry analysts, the average driver files a collision claim around once every 18 years. For most drivers that translates to three or four serious accidents in their lifetime. And drivers who get their license at the age of 16 often have at least one accident by the time they’re 34. Of course, those statistics can be way off base for inexperienced, reckless or easily distracted drivers. That may not seem like bad odds until you realize over 40,000 road-related fatalities occurred in 2017 alone and many of those were due to a distracted driving accident. The term accident is often misleading as the majority of car crashes are due to human error, and the top one involves distracted driving. Fortunately, there are a few effective tips for avoiding such an accident and helping to ensure everyone gets to their destination in one piece.

Organize Your Stuff Prior to Driving

Distracted accidents occur when the driver takes their eyes or mind off the road to focus on something else. While that can occur outside the vehicle, it usually occurs inside. Quick stops, sudden U-turns, and uneven or rough road conditions can cause items in the car to fall or scatter. Even a quick grab of a tube of lipstick or pen on the floor or in the glove compartment can lead to chaos. Once the driver looks away to find or grab their belongings, their focus is off the road and trouble often ensues. So organize your belongings prior to putting the car in drive.

Limit the Passengers and Put Them to Work

New drivers, especially teens, should always limit vehicle passengers to one at the most. And that passenger should be a parent or responsible adult driver. However, what should happen and what does happen are often two completely different things. Teens love to show off and compete with their peers while experienced drivers often are required to haul around multiple passengers due to family and life requirements. The more passengers in the vehicle, the more noise and distraction likely which leads to higher accident risks. Make a car rule to keep noise to a minimum and give your passengers tasks. One can be responsible for checking for weather or traffic, another can handle the GPS, send confirmation texts, and so on. That will help keep the driver focused on the road.

Leave Early and Primp Prior to Driving

Life gets busy and some people struggle just to manage their time. That can lead to speeding, road rage, and lots of multitasking while driving. Eating and drinking, fiddling with radio buttons, and grooming can all lead to a distracted driving accident. Always try to leave early enough so you can pull over and eat if necessary. Apply makeup, hair products, and scents prior to driving. And avoid rummaging through bags or cases for items that can take your eyes off the road.

Turn Off the Cell Phone

Each state has its own rules regarding cell phone usage while driving, and most either have a blanket ban or ban it for non-emergency needs. Texting or talking on the phone is the most dangerous form of distracted driving as it combines all three types of distraction: visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel), and cognitive (removing the focus from driving). Unless the cell phone GPS is absolutely required, it should be turned off prior to each trip. And even if GPS is required, text and phone options can be muted or temporarily blocked until you arrive safely to your destination. Following a few simple tips will not only help you avoid a call to your Michigan auto accident attorney… they can also save your life.